Muscle Shoals Baptist Association Minutes 1850

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SAMFORD UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

SJAMJOWD V^NTVTRSIiy
Birmingham, Alabama

Muscle Shoals Baptist Association

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v. 1. 1850

v. 2. 1854

v. 3. 1855

v.4. 1858

v. 5. 1859

v. 6. 1861

v. 7. 1867

v. 8. 187r

v. 9. 1885

v.

v.

V.

V.

V.

V.

V.

V.

V.

1. 1888

2. 1891

3. 1892

4. 1&93

5. 1895

6. 1896

7. 1897

8. 1898

9. 1899

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v. 10. 1887

v. 20. 1900

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ANNUA

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STKD BT W1X.UAM BPLtSTOIT, NORTH AUUi.W I OFF!
1850,

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MINUTES

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THE THIRTY-FIRST ANNUAL

K9ICIS-B1I4AI, AlltClATItl

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CONVENED AT MOULTON, LAWRENCE COUNTY, ALABAMA,

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FRIDAY BEFORE THE FIRST LORD'S DAY

II OCTOBER, 1850

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TUSCUMBIA:

raiMTSS BT WILLUM EOLL8TOK, WORTH il^BAMTAK OFKCt.

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MINU'T

MOULTON, FRIDAY MORNIHG, OCTOBER, 4, 1850.
let. The Delegates met in Moultci en Friday »°™«* e ( * h ° f , ^

"tdTf^iSe^^eM^tes assembled in the church, prayer b y
'"iTTtoteS. from, the church., were called for, read, and the names

€1 A^r prayer by bro. Vincent, the Association adjourned until Satur-
day morning, 9 o'clock.

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SATURDAY MORNING, 9 o'clock.

The Association met, prayer by bro. Gunn.

1st. ElderS. Gibson was chosen Moderator, and A \™™^ Ule ™'

2nd. Called for the report of the arranging Committee, which was read,
received, and the Committee discharged. „: Qt : Anft Reived a

3rd. Called for correspondence from, sister £^^J^™
letter and Minutes from Canaan Association, by bro. bpeakman. /rem
Loert^ AsSonbre. Toliver and ISealey, were cordially receive das
messengers. From Big Bear Creek Association, a letter and Minutes, by

br0 4th At ySgbre. were invited to seats with us. Bre. Breidenthal and

Holt were present and accepted.

5th. Appointed the following Committees, viz:
On FilLe: Thomas AshfordC Gibson an M. W. Mg%
On Documents: Wm. Lucas, R B Burleson and F C. <>£•*
On Education: E. D. Townes, A. A. Burleson, Jack*

Edmiston and A. L. Stovall. ,

0» ifowom: Thomas Ashford, John W. Miller, J. (

Musgrove and A. Howk* v \

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The Comi ittee on Finance reported as follows:

Minute fu d in the Treasury, - - . - $30 69

Contributi ns for I960, - J - - - ^48 85

Total $79 54

Ordered b 7 the Association that $19 54 be added to the wid-
ow's and Oj khan's fund, - - * ' % ' - 19 54

V 60 00

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Widow's and Orphan's Fund: F*om the churches, $59 00

From ihr Minute Fund, .... 19 54-^78 54

a

$20 00
25 00
33 54— $78 54

Distribv d em follow: To sister Irwin,
To bro. Gilbert's children,
To sistt Camming*, -

Mission ry Fund: Contributions from churenes, $324 60

Collectii as on' the Lord's day, ^ 8 65— $357 25

Paid Tr .veiling Preachers, - -\ - $161 50 — <

Remain ig, - - - «f$( - - " * 195 76

UNION MEETINGS.

1st. District: At Russelville, Saturday before the 2nd Lord's day in Au-
gust; Bre. Gunn, Vincent and Stdvall to attend. Bro. Stovall to preach
the first sermon. <

2nd. District: At Harmony Grove,' Saturday before 2nd Lord s day in
August, 1 re. Gibson and Edmiston to attend. Bro. Gibson to preach the
introduct ry sermon. .

3rd. District: In Decatur, Saturday before the 4th Lord s day in July;
bre. Gib on, Stovall and Gunn to attend. Bro. Gibson to preach the first
sermon , ,

4th. J, : strict: At Brown's Valley, Saturday before the 2nd Lord s day m
August, >re. Steely, Musgrove, Yasser and Glenn to attend. Bro. Steely
to preach the introductory.

THE NEXT ASSOCIATION.

T e next Association to be held with the Cane Creek Church, Franklin
coue y, Friday before the 1st Lord's day in October 1851. Elder R. B.
Bi.r ^soi to preach the introductory sermon on Ministerial -Support.
Bro J. Gunn to write the Circular, on Practical Godliness.

Th< Circular Letter written by Bro. Lucas was read,' approved, and or-
dercd o be appended to the minutes.

REPORTS OF TRAVELING PREACHERS.

C died for the reports of Traveling Preachers.

x o. Jno. W. Miller, reported: Engaged 104davs, traveled 1042 rmles,
preached 83 sermons, delivered 18 exhortations, attended 10 prayer meet-
frigs, .nd 6 protracted meetings/baptized 9, ordained one Deacon, consti-
tute- 1 church, expenses 50 cents. #>

1 e association awarded to Bro. Miller $58 25.

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Bro. Wm. Whaley, reported: Engaged 70 days, preached 38 sermons,
5 exhortations, traveled 663 miles, amended 6^rqtracted meetings, wit-
nessed 15 conversions, received #4 00 .i The association awarded to Bro.
Whaley $34 50.

Bro. J. R. Cagle, reported: Engaged; 31 days, traveled 525 miles, ser-
mons 20, exhortations. 17, baptized 22, contistuted 2 churches, ordained
2 deacons. Also labored one month not included in the above. The
Association awarded to Bro. Cagle $33 55.

Bro.Jfc. R. Morrow, reported: Engaged 48 days, preached 28 sermons,
exhortations 11, traveled 569 miles, attended 15 prayer meetings, witnes-
sed 20 conversions, expenses $1 00. Received 95 cts. The Association
awarded to Bro. Morrow $26 00.

Bro. Geo. D. Russell, reported: Engaged 19 days, preached 11 ser-
mons* exhortations 6, traveled 136 miles, attended 4 protracted meetings,
assisted in the ordination of 2 deacons. Received 25 cts. The Associa-
tion awarded to Bro. Russell $10 20.

^H CORRESPONDENCE.

Correspondence with sister associations, as follows: Liberty Associa-
tion: Bre. Russell, Scruggs, Edmiston, E. Elliot, Stovall, and Qwen. —
Bro. Stovall to write.

Big Bear Creek Association: Bre. Edmiston and Miller. Bro. Miller
to write.

Canaan Association: Bro. P. M. Musgrove to write and convey minutes.

Judson Association: Bro, Woolard to visit, and Bro. Burleson to write.

MESSENGERS TO GENERAL ASSOCIATION, <fec.

Bine. Edmiston, Gunn, Vincent, Ashford, Massengale, E. Borum, E. El-
liot, G. D. Russell, J. R. Cagle, and H. Atkinson, messengers to the Gen-
eral Association, of Tennessee and North Alabama.

Bre. A. A. Burleson, F. C. Owen, R. B. Burleson, A. L. Stovall, E.
D. Townes, Jno. H. Edmiston and S. Gibson, messengers to the Biennial
Convention at Nashville.

* Moved and carried, that the choice of preachers for Lord's Day, be re-
ferred to the Committee on Devotional Exercises.

After prayer by Bro. Burleson, the Association adjourned to meet again
Monday morning, 9 o'clock.

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LORD'S DAY.

Bre. Breidenthal, Gunn, and Lucas, preached in the order of their
names* in the Presbyterian Church, to large congregations. Bre. Toliver
and Stovall in the Christian Church, and Bro. Miller in the Court-House.
We trust the seed sown will be as "Bread cast upon the waters."

MONDAY MORNING, 9 o'clock.
The Association met. Prayer by Bro. Holt.
Bre. Gunn, and Mays, who had been previously appointed to draft suit-

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ble resolutions in memory of our deceased Brethren in the Ministry, re-
ported the following, whiCh wa* unanimously adopted:

Whekeas, the mournM-intelligetree of the death of two of our beloved
brethren in theMinistry, has reached thisbody, viz: JNO. T.MUSGROVE, s
and WM. IRWIN, the former in thb^63rd year of his age, after having de-

oted a long life in the service of bis God, showing by his zeal and piety
to all who knew him, that he was a man of God. The latter in the prime
of life, on his wsy from this State t^ Texas, was suddenly* cut off, tut not

efore he too had given proof of his zeal and piety in the cause of

lis Master. - • ,

Therefore we, the Association, feeKn* the loss we have sustained in this
dispensation of Divine Providence, and sympathising with their bereav-
v i relatives and friends, do take this mode of manifesting our love and es-
teem for our departed Brethren, an^l pray . that God may bless, sus-
tain, and save their families.

SABBATH SCHOOLS.

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Resolved, That we earnestly commend to the ^action of &e churches
composing this body, the formation, and efficient conducting of Sabbath
Schools, in all our churc ies.

Query. o What course should be pursued by a travelling preacher,
when individuals demam baptism at his hands, where there is no church
onvenient, and no membv s present who are willing' to take the respon-
sibility of receiving such applicants?

Answer. We think it is at all times best, to receive And Baptize appli-
cants by and with the ad /ice and consent of the church, or members of
the church. Where such s not the case, and cannot be conveniently done,
we advise that the minisfU - proceed to administer the ordinance, and give
a certificate recommending those Baptized to the fellowship of the near-
est Baptist church.

Resolved, That we recommend the cause of Foreign Missions to the
prayerful, and pecuniary consideration of the churches and Brethren
of this Association.

Whereas, the biblical knowledge imparted to our colored people has
hitherto been small, we recommend to the churches, to appoint their
ieacons or some other competent brethren to meet with them on some
suitable hour on Lord's Day, and read the bible to them, and instruct
them.

Resolved, That we have spread upon our minutes the name of the
pastor or supply of each church, with their post offices.

Resolved, That this Association request the General Association, to aid
us in locating and sustaining a suitable minister in the town of Florence,

Alabama.

Resolved, T\sit our travelling preachers be instructed to present, pru-
dently, the ^ligations of the people, or churches, for whose benefit they
labor, to aid 'the Association in sustaining them.

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Resolved, That bro. D. Breid«$i4kb« requested to prepare, and send
tor publication in the Tennessee Baptist, tide Sermon delivered by him on
Lord's Day. _

Received the report, made by the Brethren appointed to grant Letters to
the members in Carmel church. Letters granted to 6 Whites, Blacks 64,
Excluded 1, Bead 5.

Collection for bro. Johnson, who is at Murfreesboro' — $5u 50 cash; $20
subscribed, $70 50.

PLEDGES FOE >HOME MISSIONS,

The following pledges made, toll** sent up to the nex* Association, for
home mission purposes: F. C. Owen, for Moulton church, $50. Thomas
Ashfowl, for Courtland $50. Wm; Harris, for T. Create $40. S. Gibson
for Hopewell $40. H. Jarmatt, for Mt. Pleasant $40. A. A. Burlerson,
for Decatur $30. L. D. MassengaSe, for Liberty $25. E. D. Townes, for
Tusoumbia $30. R. Ducket, for Bear Creek $20. Thomas Chiles, for
Macedonia $10. John Reeves, for Oakaloney $5. H. Atkinson, for Cane
Cjeek $10. E. Borum, for H. Grove $10. Isaac Whorton, for B. Val-
ley $5. R. Kent and Wm. Kirby, for Bethel $10. Whole amount $375.

' Query from Mount Nebo: What shall be done by our churches, when
■wmbers from Anti-Mission churches make application for membership
with us, who have been denied letters to join us by their respective chur-
ches?

Answer: If they are known to tte orderly, receive them.

Ordered that the surplus Minute fund, be added to the Widow's and
Orphan's fund.. *

TRAVELING PREACHERS FOR THE ENSUING YEAR.

The Association made choice of the following brethren, to travel and preach
during the Associational year as follows: Bro. J. R. Cagle requested to
spend the whole year, if possible. Occupy the southern. part of Lawrence
county, beginning at the western boundary of Morgan, and embrace the
destitute part of Hancock county, adjoining to Lawrence and Franklin, ex-
tending south so as to embrace Antioch church: not only preach, but visit
families, and if possible furnish Testaments, and suitable religious tracts;
and report to the Association.

Bro. John W. Miller, appointed to labor two days in each month at
Spout Spring; also at Rock "Creek, for which services the Association agrees
to give him $50. Bro. Miller requested j» call upon those congregations
to aid the Association in paying ,the above amount.

Bro. Wm. R. Steely appoint^ to labor half the year, in the eastern
bounds of this Association, viz: j^astern part of Morgan, that portion of
Marshall county south of Tennessee river, including some destitute places
in Blount county, and report to the next Association.

The former Executive Committee re-appointed.

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION.

The report of the Committee on Education, read, unanimously adopted,
and ordered to be spread on the minutes.

REPORT.

God has committed to our people high and holy trusts. We alone, of
all nations, are blessed with true civil and religious liberty; the preservation
of these gifts depend, under God, upon the'education and moral training
of our youth. Hence it is the duty of every citizen to promote, to the full
extent of his ability, the cause of popajar education. This duty is espe-
cially incumbant upon every Christian: 'For knowledge and virtue are the
surest companions of Piety and Religion. Our postion as Baptists, dwell-
ing in the Mississippi Valley, adds to % weight of our obligations, lnis
great valley, from Ha central position, it* wealth and its population, is des-
tined to control the political action of our government and give laws to our

The Baptists within its limits number one-fourth of the communicants
in evangelical Churches. We have near 6000 organized churches and 400,-
000 members, with their full proportion of the whole wealth of the vafeY.
Upon our exertions then, depends the correct training of thousands who
are the hope of our country, and in a high degree of the whole family of
man. We cannot, if we would, avoid the responsibility of our position.
Let us then, as a denomination, trusting in God for his support and gui-
dance, come up to the great work He has assigned us. Let us as individ-
uals and as an association of churches, do all in our power to diffuse and
extend Education, Morality and Religion.

As an earnest of our intention to carry out the foregoing views by posi-
tive action, and as the most efficient means now within our r$ach, your
committee report the following resolutions for the adoption, of the Associ-

ation: . , .. ,

1. Resolved, That we recommend the Union Urn versity, to the continued

patronage of our denomination.

2. Resolved, That we also recommend the Female Institute, recently lo-
cated at Murfreesboro' Tennessee, to the liberality and patronage of our
denomination, and urge upon all the members of our churches a strong
and united effort to build it up and sustain it, as a denominational school
of the highest grade. , .

3. Resolved, That in conformity with the resolution of our General As-
sociation, recommending Associational Schools, we will establish a Female
Institute in the town of Moulton, to be under the charge and direction of this

A ssopijifcion

4. Resolved, That Isaac N. Owen, Charles Gibson, James Armstrong,
E D Townes.Dr. J. W. Micheaux, Thomas Ashford, A. L. Stovall, Gen.
P. J. Irons, John H. Edmiston, Amos Jarman. Jackson Gunn, Thomas
M Peters and Dr. A. A. Burleson, be appointed and requested to act as
Trustees of the Institute; and that they be empowered to adopt such meas-
ures as they may deem necessary to put the school in immediate and suc-
cessful operation; and that they report their proceedings, and the state ot
the school to each annual session of this Association.

5 Resolved, That the Trustees be requested to organize themselves
forthwith as a Board, appoint an agent to collect funds, and as soon as

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may be, erect, or purchase the necesskry buildings for the Institute, and
elect a suitable number of able and {competent teachers; and that they
report to the next session of this Association a charter for the Insti-
tute, to be presented to our State Legislature, with a view to its pas-
sage as an act of Incorporation.

6. Resolved, That the Trustees be frequested, if they think it expedi-
ent, to adopt the school now taught by Elder R. B. Burleson, as an As-
sociational school, and as the beginning and ground work oi the In-
stitute. V ) . - ,

7. Rtoolved, That we feel and acknowledge the importance of estab-
lishing within tbe bounds of the Association, a male Academy of high
grade* under its charge and direction; and that the Association should
take measures as soon as practicable to carry this object into effect.

™ E. D. TOWNES, Chairman.

Ordered, that 1,200 copies of minutes be published, the clerk to super-
intend, and receive $20 for his services. Bro. Gunn to distribute m
District No. 1, Bro. Stovall in District No. 2, Bro. Wise m Distnt No.
3, Bro. Mu*grove in District No. 4.

Resolved, That the thanks of this body be tendered to the people
of MoultQB and its vicinity, for their hospitality to the delegates during
their stay with them.

After prayer, the Brethren gave to each other the parting hand,
and the Association was adjourned.

J S. GIBSON, Moderator.

A. L. Stovall, Clerk.

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TABLE

Giving the Pastors ^no* Supplies of the diffeieit Churches, together with

their Post-offiees.

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CHURCHES.

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PASTORS. I SUPPLIES.

Tuscumbia, . .
Cane Creek,. .
Cedar Creek, .
Mount Nebo,. . .-.

Macedonia,

Mount Moriab,. ,

Florence,

Bluff Creek,

Tharp's Spring, .
Russelville, ....
Spout Spring,. .

Bethel,

Mount Pleasant,
Courtland, .....

Liberty,

Town Creek,. ..

Salem

Harmony Grove,

Enon

Moulton,

Autioch,

Oakaloney,

Friendship, ....

Hopewell,

Mount Pisgah...

Spring Hill

Decatur,'

Shoal Creek,...

Pleasant Grove,.

Pleasant Hill,...

Flint Creek

Shilo, ...

Mount Ttbour,.

Hopewell in Blount,

Blue Spring,...

Brown's Valley,
'Good Hope

. J»ekson Goim» :

J. Douphit, . . .
J. W. Miller,. .

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Ig.d.

Destitute,

POST OFFICES OF
MINISTERS.

Tuscumbia, . . .
Tuscumbia, . . .
Blue Lick,. . . .

. S. Carson,. .

...Destitute,

. J.-C. Vincent,.
T. S.-Carson,..
J. C. Vincent,.
J. W. Miller,..
T. S. Carson,. .
J. C. Vincent,.
A. L. Stovall,.
Jackson Gunn,.

Mount Hope,
Leigh ton, . . .,

A. L. Stovall,.
J. R. Cagle,..

T. S.-Carson,.

Gibson,. . .

Wm. Lucas,.

Leighton,
Blue Lick,...

Wm. Lucas,. . .

S. Gibson,

A. L. Stovall,.
J. R. Cagle,...

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; Destitute, V . . .
Wm. Lucas-,.

P.M. Musgrove,

Wm. Lucas,.
Unknown, . .
Unknown, . .
Unknown, . ,
Unknown,
Destitute, . .

Leighton, . .-.J
Mount Hope,;

Destitute, . . .
Destitute, . . .
P.M. Musgrove,
[Destitute, . . .

Tuscumbia, ^
Tdsejnutta,
Russelville, . . .

Newburg

La Grange

Flofjjnee,

Leighton, Gr*vI4? Springs

RuMerville, . . .
Russelville, . . .
Rock Creek, . .

igbtap,

Ifhton

Courtland , . . . .
Courtland,-. . . .
Mouut Hope,. .
Moulton, .....

Hillsbofo',

Oakville,

Moulton, .....
Thorn Hill,...

Leighton,

Oakville,

Houston's Store
Decatur, ......

Decatur,

Decatur

Somerville,. . . .
Somerville,. . . .

Decatur

Somerville,. . . .
Somervilla,. . . .
Blountsville, . .
Blountsville, . .
Somerville,. . . .
Unknown,'. . . .
Blountsville, . .

Mount Hope,.
Moulton,

Decatur,

Oakville,

Mount Hope,.

Leighton,

Decatur,
Decatur,

Blountsville,

Blountsville,.

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LETTER.

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TRUE CHRISTIAN BEVOTEDNESS

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Dxaz Brethren: —The srtrjecfcof our present Circular Address is true
mstian devotedness. Of 'the importance of my theme, and its appliea-
my to the times, no one who has reflected upon the subject can enter-
tain ^a doubt. As a denomination we are enjdying a state of prosperi-
ty uneqtraled in any portion of the past history of the Church: Light
is spreading and truth is taking hold on the hearts of men: Darkness is re-
eeeding before the blaze of Gospel truth, which leads us to believe that our
triumph is not distant. Yet smiled upon as we are by the Great head of
the Church, and possessing, as we are led to believe we do, many excel-
lent traits of Christian character, we should not consider it as proof positive
that we are in all respects above censure. Notwithstanding there may be
much in a Church to call forth the admiration of Christians and the appro-
bation of the Redeemer, yet there may be, at the same time, such a radical
deficiency in other important particulars, as to render it the proper object
of reproof. A Church, for instance, may be strictly orthodox in its religi-
ous tenets, and yet for want of activity render the Truth in which it glo-
ries inert and powerless, and from being a healthful fountain, sending forth
through the channels of Christian activity a refreshing and sanctifying in-
fluence, "may become a stagnant pool, rotting in its motionless repose, pol-
luting the air with its noxious exhalations, converting into a desolate mo-
rass the region it s"hould fertalize and bless. Should not considerations of
this kind arouse us all to our duty, that we may no longer be^ hearers and
approvers only, but doers of the work.

For it is an awful and alarming thought, that all short of the vital pow-
er of religion may exist, where selfishness, instead of God, governs the
heart. We should, therefore, consider what real religion demands, and in-
quire whether ours is such as leads us to devote ourselves entirely, unreserv-
edly and eternally to God. The inquiry is needful, for many deceive them-
selves. Not all that profess to be disciples of Jesus here, will dwell with
Jesus above; for we read of those who profess that they know God, but in
works deny him; who wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
You' may profess to trust in Christ, and call him Lord; you may be ever
engaged in his service, and yet be no Christian. [Math, vii, 21st.] "Not
every one thai saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heav-
en; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven."

Is not the inquiry, then, of the utmost importance, whether you have re-
ceived Jesus with all your heart, to cleave to him in pain and in ease, in
wealth and in poverty, in honor and in dishonor, in the sunshine and in the
storm, in life and in death, in time and in eternitv? Christ demands this.

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Does he demand too much; or lay a 1 leavy yoke on the neck of his disci-
ples? No. His yoke is easy, and his b urden is light. "His ways are ways
of pleasantness and all his paths are paShs of peace." "For the love of Christ
constraineth us." Wherever the vital and unadulterated spirfcof Christian
devotion prevails, its immediate objec* will be to adore the perfections of
God; to entertain with reverance and ^complacency the various intimations
of his pleasure; to pray for the propitiation and establishment of Truth,
Righteousness and Peace on earth, contributing to the great and worthy
purpose according to the ability give*. The Christian's love to the Re-
deemer evaporates not in empty profession; but constrains him to live, not
to nimself, but unto Him who died fo» him and rose again. Our Saviour
has taught us by an impressive miraclei that the leaves of a fair profession
will not be valued, where the fruit is wanting; and has given the rule for de-
termining who are, and who are not, his true followers. [John xv, 5. J "He
that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit." And y
again: "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear. much fruit." And
our Saviour lets us know that our fruitfulness springs from a vital unieo
with Him, the living vine. For saith an apostle: "We are his workman-
ship, created in Christ Jesus unto God; works which God hath foreordain-
ed that we should walk in them." [I. Cor. vi, 19-20. j "Ye are not vour
own, for ye are bought with a price." Therefore we are admonished by
the apostle to glorify Him in our bodies and in our spirits, which are his,
presenting our bodies and our spirits as "a living sacrifice, holy and ex-
ceptable, which is our reasonable service." An instructive example of the
Christian spirit we find exemplified by the apostle Paul, [Acts xxiv, 16.]
"Herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence
toward God and toward men." A conscience void of offence toward God,
that should charge him with no neglect of Gods' precepts; that should
witness that he devoted his whole heart, and all he was, and had, to God.
A conscience void of offence toward men, that should bear testimony to his
fidelity in the discharge of all the duties of life; exemplifying the mild and
brilliant glories of Christianity to the world, in the exercise of the christian
- graces: Witness his untiring zeal, his unweaiied patience, his expansive
benevolence. Yet such were his ideas of the exalted nature of holiness,
that he still continued to pant after larger measures of grace, and a closer
approximation to the divine image; counting not his life dear to himself, so
that he might finish his course with joy. And he admonishes us, Breth-
ren, to be followers of him, as he was of Christ. Many and weighty are
the motives that urge upon the Christian the importance of a more entire
devotedness to Christ and his cause. One powerful motive, and sufficient of
itself to call forth all our resources, and excite in us a spirit of activity, is-
the shortness of time. This life being the only season in which some of
the christian graces can be exercised. Now we must feed the hungry, clothe
the naked, visit the sick, and cheer the broken hearted; for in Heaven are
found no sons of need. Now we must labor for the diffusion of gospel
light; so never let us be idle, remembering that the time for these things
will soon be passed by with us, and once gone it is gone forever. And as
we wish to promote the glory of God, and the eternal welfare of men, we
must let our light shine, and continue to send forth through the channels of
Christian activity, a healthful influence; in the language of an inspired
apostle, "holding forth the word of life." And may we not ask, who that
feels one spark of love to God, or love to man, but must be anxious to ac-

. : .-..-. ■:.;- -,-^s.-^^-^-

3
and saved himself, to be the means of

complishHeaven'sbenevolent.

saving others? 31 ^ 8pirit of Christ, and not labor

My dear Brethren: Can we ■»«* F round us? Can ve> lf truly

and strive to benefit those w J^M3&gty of Zion? Has not redeem -
christians, r**in » d ^*^K?S. choicest stores-costly as the
ing love, my Brethren, dispk *|^ reathe ^ lasting as the eternity
wfalth of Heaven, yet £"j£ , "^ r bid8 us communicate the tidings
«f Ond' And the Giver ot tnese iw *° we not ask, where is

£ Sers. "Let him that heareth ^^^^^^tle 'fallen, all
the spirit of Christ ^ongst us. . U I»» u8 wake to our respon

wet w\th tears for the , pensbmg? $7 £« ' mQre> And with earnest,
sibility, ere the ™* * ^ Breton, may we continue to implore his
ardent and longing des res B J Christ, and breathe after the everlasting
grace and mercy, through J ^ V^m , , g falneMof Joy - a nd at

^yment of his prese nee. **£££/ My dear Brethren: Let us re-
hii |ight hand ^ ^^^o^.L^^o^ S °TofzT
feet what we are about. 1* » T ^ther one of the songs of Zi-

, Lnot in full panoply. ^^l^ ihe S conquest of the world for Je-
<>n, und to that ^™™$£\«Z hasten to his support Let us give
sus. He is ah-eady m ^ e fi ^f another , and all, actuated by jme _ spmt
ourselves to the Lord, and to on pha i anx , and victory will flash

m ove on to&e con^st m one^ "^J^ standard; and the hour wjl
along our ranks, and finally percE i ? ^ ^ ^ ^e fill-

ha^tfn when the whole ^^fj^man heart shall swell with .the an-
ed with the glory of G^; when ^ every nu and gQod ^ t

gelic hymn, "Glory to ,0tod in ^ eh /^ en ' ovated world shall answer back
LnV when the P^f &£^ d £^ ererfuw which is in Heaven and on

^

— rife

...b i VA i <"ite> i •■ ■ ■ ■ ;"*'. ww w*

CHURCITES.

NAMES OF DELEGATES.

DISTRICT NO. 1.

TUSCCMBIA, ••<

CANE CREEK,

CEDAR CREEK,

MOUNT NEBO,

MACEDONIA,

MOUNT MORI AH, ••••

FLORENCE,

BLUFF CREEK,

THARP'S SPRING,--

RUS3ELVILLE,

SPOUT SPRING,

DISTRICT NO. t.

W>Lai^ANT,

KTL^NC

SALEM,

HARMONY GROVE,
ENON,. •->•••
MOUIiTON, - - • ■ Mf-
ANTIOGH, ••••/•• •
OAKAMJNBYVi. ...
DISTRICT^fO. 3.

friendship;

HOPEWELL,.-."..-.-

MOUNT PISGAH,

SPRING HILL,

DECATUR,--"; ••

SHOAL CREEK, ......

PLEASANT GROVE,--
PLEASANT HILL,--..

FLINT CREEK,

SHILO,

DISTRICT NO. 4.
MOUNT TABOUR,

Jackson Gtfnn, o, E. D. Townes, EJSlkott, A,

J. Douphit, o, H. Atkinson, L. RapVuti,

J. W. Miller, o, S. Sparks, a, J. Skinvsr, a, _•

G. W. Hargot, H. ToWneeod, John K . Yike,

G. D. Russell, o, G. D. Cleere, a, T. Chiles, •
M. King, H. Gargis, William H.Bnan, ^. -
B. Willet, a, T. J. Crow, a, J. A. Portlock,
«.. Ducket, J. Ducket, a, E. G. Young, a, • •-.

W. Vess, J. G. Whitlock, R. Tharp, a\ .... >.... ••

A. Johnson, E. Harris, a, W. T. Patterson a, '-

Charles Womble, Thomas Savage, a,

J. Landers, a, R. Kent, W. C. Kirby, • • • • ••

J. Alexander, H. Jarman, A. Stanley,- •• •* •■• - - •

homos Ashford, M. W. Mays, Willij/i Effiot, •

F. G. Owen, R. B. Buteson,o,

J. B. Bird, J. J. Bird,f. Tavfcr,

T. S. Carson, o, WiUln C. Brown, J. Reeves,

J.Simpson, J.McDanl, R.Simpson, •

S. Gibson, o, J. WiseA. W. Nunn, l, • •••• •••

J. Burleson, J.SandlinyYf. Ford, a,

William Lucas, o, WA Thompson, o, Wm. Pitman,

John N. Edmist -n, o, I Howk. A. A. Burleson

R. Ratliffe, a, J. HalbrAka, William Dollar, ••

8. Lassater, C. E. Russl J. Holloway, a.

William Abbot, E. Mopk, D. Gregory, •• .• ......*••*»

C. L. Wilhite, W. W.,Hhlhite, J R. Lynn, a
E. W. Pope, J. Tabscft, a,i. j. Thompson, a

P. M. Muagroye^i Wm. Whaley, l, A. F. Glenn, t,
HOPEWELL, in Blount, R. Sandlm, Inwards; a, William Bland, a, • • •

BLUE SPRING, -jl. Homes, J Weaver, A r B. Thompson, &,-•

BROW> T « VALLEY,-- fci
GOOD HOPE,

saac WAorton, James Berry, • • •
.. . f "No Messengers.

w. vv ^' ^.' S ,

TOTAL,

^mr^y^^^